Labor Day

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT LABOR DAY - PAGE 2

Slightly fewer Floridians are expected to travel this Labor Day holiday than last year, partly because of more expensive airfares, travel group AAA forecast. The number of Floridians traveling at least 50 miles from home is projected to drop 3 percent for the Sept. 1-5 holiday, mostly because of fewer people taking flights. The number taking road trips will be relatively flat, in part because gas prices have declined in recent weeks, AAA said. Florida's holiday travel decline is steeper than the 2.4 percent dip projected nationwide, reflecting tougher economic times in the state than other areas, analysts said.

This Labor Day, workers will find themselves in a generally improved job market from a year ago. For some employees, that raise or promotion may finally be around the corner as employers are more concerned about keeping workers. For job seekers, there are broader opportunities, especially for highly-skilled workers. "I feel a little more positive than last Labor Day," said Julie Barnett, 42, a property manager. Barnett said she isn't worrying as much as she used to, when times were tougher in real estate.

The good news is Florida's economy is recovering from the aftermath of the Great Recession. Population growth is up, unemployment is down. So, too, are the number of housing foreclosures, a persistent drag on Florida's all-important real-estate sector. But try convincing the average Floridian this Labor Day that things are looking up. The reality is too many Floridians remain out of work — 596,687, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics – though that's down from a peak of 1.1 million in 2010.

Looking to vacation in South Florida for this Labor Day weekend from Sept. 2 through Sept. 5? Consider these hotel offers: In Fort Lauderdale , the 240-unit B Ocean Fort Lauderdale resort offers Labor Day packages starting at $189 a night. They include a 'B Basket' with lunch and beverages for two; a B beach bag; B beach ball; B flip-flops; and two B Ocean beach towels. Use booking code BEACH. For information, visit www.boceanfortlauderdale.com or call 888-66-BHOTEL. In Stuart , the 50-room waterfront Pirate's Cove Resort & Marina near downtown Stuart, Fla. offers a $99 a night Florida resident rate through Oct. 31, which includes continental breakfast. Guests who stay at least three nights also get a $50 resort credit.

The hottest destinations for Labor Day travel this year are New York, Las Vegas and Chicago, travel Web site Orbitz.com said, based on early bookings on its site. The top 10 destinations are the same as last year, but their order differs. Moving up one notch are Detroit to No. 4, Orlando to No. 7, Boston to No. 8 and Los Angeles to No. 10, the company said. Dropping in popularity were Seattle, down one notch to No. 5 and Atlanta, down three spots to No. 10, Orbitz.com said.

Don't get behind the wheel and drive drunk after indulging on Labor Day. Instead, arrive alive and get a free tow home from the American Automobile Association's Tow to Go program. The offer is open on Monday, Sept. 3, to everyone, no membership required, but should only be used as a last resort. The offer is based on availability of trucks and call volumes. Call 1-800-AAA-Help and a tow truck will deliver you and your vehicle home safely, no charge and no questions asked. The free service, a partnership between AAA and Budweiser, is 100 percent confidential.

Now we're cookin' with gas and just in time for Labor Day weekend! Save up to $6 on AmeriGas propane cycliner refills and exchanges with a coupon and a mail-in rebate. Save $3 with a coupon offered on the AmeriGas Propane fan page on Facebook. The coupon is good on the purchase or exchange of a cylinder at participating dealers (Home Depot, 7-Eleven stores). It expires on Aug. 31. AmeriGas is also offering $3 back with a mail-in rebate when you send in the rebate form and a cash register receipt.

Look at it this way: You have to work two more days, but then you get to play for three. Labor Day weekend - the last long weekend of the summer - means beaches, shopping, travel, family outings and lots of time to chill. This year, more Floridians - 1.73 million - are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home, beginning Thursday, according to AAA Travel. That's 2.4 percent more than last year, thanks to an improving economy, cheaper gasoline and increasing consumer confidence.

If you have thoughts of Labor Day cookouts on the road, youÃÂÃÂll need a good portable grill, not the bulky, charcoal-spilling version your dad or grandfather toted around back in the day. And for Floridians, portable grills come in handy on holidays and hurricane seasons alike. When the power goes out in a bad storm at least you know youÃÂÃÂll have meals covered with a portable grill. Here are examples: Meco 2000 Portable Tailgate Charcoal Grill, $46. If you like to keep it simple, youÃÂÃÂll like this.